[hejablue]

Just returned from Europe and noticed that most of the BMW's in Sweden do not have any model badges. I really liked the clean look, but was wondering if this has any affect a resale value. Please note, I have a 2015 M235i.

Thanks in advance

[Zooks527]

You'll likely take a hit. While there are some people who like the de-badged look, most people want the badges. Not having them means those folks need to pay for a set, and then take the time to carefully put them on. Most people buying a car will take off for that effort. On the other hand, people who like the de-badged look know they can take the badges off for no money and little time.

Personally, I always thought a de-badged trunk looks like a car that had the trunk lid replaced due to an accident and couldn't find a new set of the correct markings.

[Cyberdemon]

Generally speaking, most people want a car to look as stock as possible.

With that said you can always keep the badges in a bag and re-attach them with some new adhesive when you decide to sell. If you trade the car in no one will care.

[SteveInfante]

Most cars here in Europe don't have badges. They see them as kind a vain thing to keep on there. It's an option to order them without here.

[hejablue]

Thanks for the quick replies. The badges don't bother me too much, so I will probably just live with them.

[Kiwi]

Originally Posted by Zooks527

You'll likely take a hit. While there are some people who like the de-badged look, most people want the badges. Not having them means those folks need to pay for a set, and then take the time to carefully put them on. Most people buying a car will take off for that effort. On the other hand, people who like the de-badged look know they can take the badges off for no money and little time.

Personally, I always thought a de-badged trunk looks like a car that had the trunk lid replaced due to an accident and couldn't find a new set of the correct markings.

BMW sell cars now with no badges in my country and who would ask for a discount on a second hand car because of no badges. Very strange view.

[Zooks527]

Originally Posted by Kiwi

BMW sell cars now with no badges in my country and who would ask for a discount on a second had car because of no badges. Very strange view.

Not that strange. Places differ. 9 out of 10 people in the US would think the car looked "wrong" without the badges. As people usually resist buying something that looks wrong, the price will drop.

[Sportstick]

It's always struck me as odd for one to buy a car already thinking of who might one day buy it used rather than having it just the way you want it! Heck, a recent study said white cars have the best resale value...reason to go "colorless"?? Not for me! If the clean look of beautifully painted sheetmetal looks better to you without hunks of chrome numbers....do it! Who cares what anyone else thinks is under the hood or if something is missing...other than their ability to appreciate someone else's different taste?

[Alpine F31]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

It's always struck me as odd for one to buy a car already thinking of who might one day buy it used rather than having it just the way you want it!

I don't care what anyone thinks about how I mod (or don't mod) my car. And as far as resale goes, all anyone needs when selling their car is ONE buyer to pay the price you're asking! ONE! No matter what you do to your car, you'll find at least ONE guy or gal out there that likes it too and will buy it.

BTW, I saw my first VO 228 yesterday. LOVE that color!

[DanG]

Most people in my area who seen a debadge 2 series would think it was a 228.

[Kiwi]

Originally Posted by Zooks527

Not that strange. Places differ. 9 out of 10 people in the US would think the car looked "wrong" without the badges. As people usually resist buying something that looks wrong, the price will drop.

Are you smoking something So all Americans go to the back of the car they plan to buy "No badge give me a discount"

[Kiwi]

Originally Posted by DanG

Most people in my area who seen a debadge 2 series would think it was a 228.

So you know most people and their thoughts.

[Corinne]

I must say, whenever I see a debadged car, I assume that it's the smallest engine option and the guy is ashamed and tries to hide it - hoping people will think it's a more powerful version than it really is.

[Zooks527]

Originally Posted by Kiwi

Are you smoking something So all Americans go to the back of the car they plan to buy "No badge give me a discount"

No, they go to the back of the car, see something wrong, don't like it, and walk away from the deal.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by Corinne

I must say, whenever I see a debadged car, I assume that it's the smallest engine option and the guy is ashamed and tries to hide it - hoping people will think it's a more powerful version than it really is.

...and amazingly, we're back to some thinking debadging has anything to do with them or anyone else who sees our car, instead of us just pursuing our aesthetic preference. Perhaps those who suggest this motivation, themselves, drive around worried about how other people are evaluating them, but trust us, others of us don't!

[wjones14]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

...and amazingly, we're back to some thinking debadging has anything to do with them or anyone else who sees our car, instead of us just pursuing our aesthetic preference. Perhaps those who suggest this motivation, themselves, drive around worried about how other people are evaluating them, but trust us, others of us don't!

I hate to admit it, but I'm with Corrine on this one.

I don't pretend to know what someone else is thinking, but I personally do think the same thing as Corinne when I see a de-badged car - that the owner wants you to think it's something it's not. Like you said, there are many cases when the owner just wants a "cleaner" look. And I have seen 5.0 Mustangs de-badged, so obviously those owners aren't trying to fool anyone into thinking their V-6 is actually a V-8.

I like badges. What can I say?

[3.0L]

This badge, debadge controversey is nothing new, including posers and giving false impressions. Back in the '60's, most American made cars had a badge somewhere on the front fenders that indicated what was lurking under the hood. Typically, it was a number, indicating engine displacement in cubic inches, plus some sort of artwork such as little flags, V for V-8 and so on.

Since the cubic inches are clearly displayed, badges with big numbers were coveted, along with bragging rights. 426, 427? You were king of the street! Without racing! No one messed with you.

And of course, some car owners replaced their badges with bigger numbers, but I don't recall anyone debaging in those days.

[TonySCV]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

With that said you can always keep the badges in a bag and re-attach them with some new adhesive when you decide to sell.

Quoting for logic. Do this.

Originally Posted by 3.0L

This badge, debadge controversey is nothing new, including posers and giving false impressions. Back in the '60's, most American made cars had a badge somewhere on the front fenders that indicated what was lurking under the hood. Typically, it was a number, indicating engine displacement in cubic inches, plus some sort of artwork such as little flags, V for V-8 and so on.

I vividly remember the late 70's Pontiac Trans-Am's having "6.6 LITRE" emblazoned on the engine cover that popped out of the hood and thinking "wow, that must make a ton of power!" only to find out later that the 6.6L V8 made a whopping 185HP.

[JP Medina]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

you can always keep the badges in a bag and re-attach them with some new adhesive when you decide to sell. If you trade the car in no one will care.

+1 That is what I did.
Most (90%) of the 2 series in town are 220s as mine, we don´t get the 228 here, so I won´t fool anybody with a single exhaust tip and don´t want to. Besides...I like the european look
I have a friend who debadged his Maseratti, but that´s another story.

[Zooks527]

Originally Posted by TonySCV

I vividly remember the late 70's Pontiac Trans-Am's having "6.6 LITRE" emblazoned on the engine cover that popped out of the hood and thinking "wow, that must make a ton of power!" only to find out later that the 6.6L V8 made a whopping 185HP.

Yeah, the feds were eating horsepower alive back then. At that point in time what you really wanted in that case was the one labelled as having the "T/A 6.6" engine, not the one labelled "6.6 Litre". That at least got it up to the 200 - 220 hp range, depending on the year. Big step down from the 360 - 400 hp engines of 10 years before.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by wjones14

I hate to admit it, but I'm with Corrine on this one.

I don't pretend to know what someone else is thinking, but I personally do think the same thing as Corinne when I see a de-badged car - that the owner wants you to think it's something it's not. Like you said, there are many cases when the owner just wants a "cleaner" look. And I have seen 5.0 Mustangs de-badged, so obviously those owners aren't trying to fool anyone into thinking their V-6 is actually a V-8.

I like badges. What can I say?

As you're entitled and nothing to critique nor apologize for about liking nor disliking badges. But, if you do join in projecting your emotions onto the motivations of others (being something you're not? embarrassment at engine size? Perhaps there is some symbolism going on here?), you must realize that you're really telling us more about you than them, completely independent of your personal appreciation of a badge's appearance.

[wjones14]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

As you're entitled and nothing to critique nor apologize for about liking nor disliking badges. But, if you do join in projecting your emotions onto the motivations of others (being something you're not? embarrassment at engine size? Perhaps there is some symbolism going on here?), you must realize that you're really telling us more about you than them, completely independent of your personal appreciation of a badge's appearance.

Well put, and accurate. I am one of the guys who put the "M" badge on the front fenders of my 2015 U.S. M235i. I did it for two reasons. 1) after I saw the badge on the 2014 models, the 2015 looks bare to me, and I think it adds a little pizazz; and 2) I'm coming from a yellow S197 Mustang GT, with GT badges on both front fenders plus one in the center of the rear trunk lid. I didn't have to tell anyone about that car's sporty nature or V-8 - the color, body, and badges told it all.

So basically, I want a car that lets you know it means business. I'm not into sleepers myself, though I can appreciate that others like them. I don't race on the street so the looks of the car have to tell the story.